Serum adipokines in inflammatory bowel disease

AIM:To investigate serum adipokine levels in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)patients before treatment and after achieving clinical remission.METHODS:Serum concentrations of six adipokines(tissue growth factor-β1,adiponectin,leptin,chemerin,resistin,and visfatin)were studied in 40 subjects with active IBD[24 subjects with Crohn’s disease(CD)and in 16 subjects with ulcerative colitis(UC)]before and after three months of therapy with corticosteroids and/or azathioprine.Clinical diagnoses were based on ileocolonoscopy,computed tomography or magnetic resonance enterography and histological examination of mucosal biopsies sampled during endoscopy.Serum levels of adipokines were assessed by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The control group was comprised of 16 age-and sex-matched healthyvolunteers.RESULTS:Baseline leptin concentrations were significantly decreased in both types of IBD compared to controls(8.0±9.1 in CD and 8.6±6.3 in UC vs 16.5±10.1 ng/mL in controls;P<0.05),and significantly increased after treatment only in subjects with CD(14.9±15.1 ng/mL;P<0.05).Baseline serum resistin concentrations were significantly higher in CD(19.3±12.5ng/mL;P<0.05)and UC subjects(23.2±11.0 ng/mL;P<0.05)than in healthy controls(10.7±1.1 ng/mL).Treatment induced a decrease in the serum resistin concentration only in UC subjects(14.5±4.0 ng/mL;P<0.05).Baseline serum concentrations of visfatin were significantly higher in subjects with CD(23.2±3.2ng/mL;P<0.05)and UC(18.8±5.3 ng/mL;P<0.05)than in healthy controls(14.1±5.3 ng/mL).Treatment induced a decrease in the serum visfatin concentrations only in CD subjects(20.4±4.8 ng/mL;P<0.05).Serum levels of adiponectin,chemerin and tissue growth factor-β1 did not differ between CD and UC subjects compared to healthy controls and also were not altered by anti-inflammatory therapy.Clinical indices of IBD activity did not correlate with adipokine levels.CONCLUSION:IBD modulates serum adipokine levels by increasing resistin and visfatin release and suppressing leptin production.     

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and inflammatory bowel disease characteristics in Romania

AIM: To describe the relationship between vitamin D levels and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characteristics in northeastern Romanian patients.METHODS: This was a prospective study of 47 consecutive IBD patients admitted to The Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Iasi, Romania between March 2011 and June 2012. The diagnosis of IBD was established based on endoscopic, histologic and radiologic findings. Demographic data, disease characteristics, ongoing treatments and biological parameters of patients (including markers of inflammation: C-reactive protein level, fibrinogen level, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) were recorded. Serum vitamin D levels were measured and compared with age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers from the same geographic area. Vitamin D levels were defined as sufficient (> 30 ng/mL), insufficient (20-30 ng/mL), or severely deficient (< 20 ng/mL).RESULTS: Thirty-three of the IBD patients included in this study had ulcerative colitis (UC) and 14 had Crohn’s disease (CD). Only 24% of the UC patients and 21% of the CD patients had sufficient vitamin D levels. The vitamin D levels were significantly lower in the CD patients with moderate to severe disease activity compared to the CD patients in remission or with mild disease activity (16 ± 6 ng/mL vs 26 ± 7 ng/mL; 16 ± 6 ng/mL vs 31 ± 9 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.05). Vitamin D levels in the UC patients were not influenced by disease activity and no correlation was observed with the inflammation markers tested (C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate). No association was observed between vitamin D levels and smoking status or ongoing medication (5ASA, steroids, and anti-TNFα). Newly diagnosed IBD patients had lower vitamin D levels than patients with established cases, though these differences were not significant (UC: 22 ± 9 ng/mL vs 26 ± 12 ng/mL; CD: 18 ± 6 ng/mL vs 27 ± 11 ng/mL, respectively). Although no association was found between the season during which the visit was scheduled and vitamin D levels, the UC patients assessed during the winter tended to have lower levels than those assessed during the summer (22 ± 9 ng/mL vs 28 ± 13 ng/mL, respectively).CONCLUSION: Vitamin D levels are significantly reduced in IBD patients in northeastern Romania, with the lowest levels occurring in CD patients with moderate to severe disease activity.     

Serum 1,3-beta-D-glucan as a noninvasive test to predict histologic activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND 1,3-beta-D-glucan(BG)is a ubiquitous cell wall component of gut microorganisms.We hypothesized that the serum levels of BG could reflect active intestinal inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.AIM To determine whether the serum BG concentrations correlate with intestinal inflammation.METHODS A prospective observational study was performed in a tertiary referral center,from 2016 to 2019,in which serum BG was determined in 115 patients with Crohn’s disease(CD),51 with ulcerative colitis(UC),and 82 controls using a photometric detection kit.Inflammatory activity was determined by ileocolonoscopy,histopathology,magnetic resonance enterography,and biomarkers,including fecal calprotectin(FC),C-reactive protein,and a panel of cytokines.The ability of BG to detect active vs inactive disease was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.In subgroup analysis,serial BG was used to assess the response to therapeutic interventions.RESULTS The serum BG levels were higher in CD patients than in controls(P=0.0001).The BG levels paralleled the endoscopic activity in CD patients and histologic activity and combined endoscopic and histologic activity in both CD and UC patients.The area under the curve(AUC)in receiver operating characteristic analysis to predict endoscopic activity was 0.694[95%confidence interval(CI):0.60-0.79;P=0.001]in CD,and 0.662(95%CI:0.51-0.81;P=0.066)in UC patients.The AUC in receiver operating characteristic analysis to predict histologic activity was 0.860(95%CI:0.77-0.95;P<0.001)in CD,and 0.786(95%CI:0.57-0.99;P=0.015)in UC patients.The cut-off values of BG for both endoscopic and histologic activity were 60μg/mL in CD,and 40μg/mL in UC patients.Performance analysis showed that the results based on BG of 40 and 60μg/mL were more specific for predicting endoscopic activity(71.8%and 87.2%for CD;and 87.5%and 87.5%for UC,respectively)than FC(53.3%and 66.7%for CD;and 20%and 80%for UC,respectively);and also histologic activity(60.5%and 76.3%for CD;and 90.0%and 95.0%for UC,respectively)than FC(41.7%and 50.0%for CD;and 25%and 50%for UC,respectively).Regarding the clinical,endoscopic,and histologic activities,the BG levels were reduced following therapeutic intervention in patients with CD(P<0.0001)and UC(P=0.003).Compared with endoscopic(AUC:0.693;P=0.002)and histologic(AUC:0.868;P<0.001)activity,no significant correlation was found between serum BG and transmural healing based on magnetic resonance enterography(AUC:0.576;P=0.192).Positive correlations were detected between BG and IL-17 in the CD(r:0.737;P=0.001)and the UC group(r:0.574;P=0.005),and between BG and interferon-gamma in the CD group(r:0.597;P=0.015).CONCLUSION Serum BG may represent an important novel noninvasive approach for detecting mucosal inflammation and therapeutically monitoring inflammatory bowel diseases,particularly in CD.     

Colonic vitamin D receptor expression is inversely associated with disease activity and jumonji domain-containing 3 in active ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUNDThe expression of jumonji domain-containing 3 (Jmjd3) and trimethylated H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) in active ulcerative colitis (UC) and the correlation between vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the Jmjd3 pathway are unknown.AIMTo study the relationship between VDR, Jmjd3 and H3K27me3 in patients with active UC.METHODSOne hundred patients with active UC and 56 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The patients with active UC were divided into groups according to mild (n = 29), moderate (n = 32) and severe (n = 29) disease activity based on the modified Mayo score. Vitamin D levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Colonic mucosal tissues from UC patients and controls were collected by colonoscopy. The expression of VDR, Jmjd3 and H3K27me3 in the intestinal mucosa was determined by immunohistochemistry staining.RESULTSPatients with active UC had lower levels of serum vitamin D (13.7 ± 2.8 ng/mL, P < 0.001) than the controls (16.2 ± 2.5 ng/mL). In the UC cohort, serum vitamin D level was negatively correlated with disease activity (r = -0.323, P = 0.001). VDR expression in the mucosa of UC patients was reduced compared to that in normal tissues (P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with disease activity (r = -0.868, P < 0.001). Similar results for VDR expression were noted in the most serious lesion (defined as UC diseased) and 20 cm proximal to the anus (defined as UC normal) (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, Jmjd3 expression significantly increased in UC patients (P < 0.001), but no difference was found between the different sites in UC patients. H3K27me3 expression in UC patients was significantly down-regulated when compared with normal tissues (P < 0.001), but up-regulated in the mild disease activity group in comparison with the moderate disease activity group of UC patients (P < 0.05). Jmjd3 Level was negatively correlated with the level of VDR (r = -0.342, P = 0.002) and H3K27me3 (r = -0.341, P = 0.002), while VDR level was positively correlated with H3K27me3 (r = 0.473, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONSerum vitamin D and VDR were inversely correlated with disease activity in active UC. Jmjd3 expression increased in the colonic mucosa of active UC patients and was negatively associated with VDR and H3K27me3 level.     

Interleukin-8, a promising predictor for prognosis of pancreatic cancer

AIM: To investigate the value of interleukin-8 (IL-8), a pro-inflammatory chemokine, in predicting the prognosis of pancreatic cancer.METHODS: Expression of IL-8 and its receptor CXCR1 was assessed by immunohistochemistry in pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis samples. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the serum IL-8 levels in pancreatic cancer patients. Human pancreatic cancer tissues were heterotopically transplanted to the immune-deficiency mice to evaluate the effect of serum IL-8 on the tumorigenesis of the cancer samples.RESULTS: IL-8 and CXCR1 proteins were both over-expressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma samples (55.6% and 65.4%, respectively) compared with the matched para-cancer tissues (25.9% and 12.3%, P < 0.01), or chronic pancreatitis (0% and 25%, P < 0.05). Serum IL-8 levels in pancreatic cancer patients (271.1 ± 187.7 ng/mL) were higher than in other digestive system tumors, such as gastric cancer (41.77 ± 9.11 ng/mL, P = 0.025), colorectal carcinoma (78.72 ± 80.60 ng/mL, P = 0.032) and hepatocellular carcinoma (59.60 ± 19.80 ng/mL, P = 0.016). In vivo tumorigenesis analysis further proved that tumor tissues from patients with higher serum IL-8 levels grew faster than those with lower IL-8 levels.CONCLUSION: IL-8 can be a fine serum marker for predicting the prognosis pancreatic cancer.     

p53 antibodies, metallothioneins, and oxidative stress markers in chronic ulcerative colitis with dysplasia

AIM:To investigate the role of p53 antibodies (p53Abs),metallothioneins (MTs) and oxidative stress markers in the early detection of dysplasia in chronic ulcerative colitis (UC).METHODS:The study included 30 UC patients,15 without dysplasia (group Ⅱ) and 15 with dysplasia (group Ⅲ),in addition to 15 healthy volunteers (group Ⅰ,control subjects).The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique was used to measure serum p53Abs and MTs,while advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs),and reduced glutathione (G...     

Clinical significance and usefulness of soluble heparin binding-epidermal growth factor in gastric cancer

AIM:To evaluate the clinical usefulness of solubleheparin-binding epidermal growth factor(s HB-EGF)as a serum biomarker for gastric cancer(GC).METHODS:Serum s HB-EGF levels were measured by a commercially available human HB-EGF ELISA Kit and compared among 60 normal controls,30 highrisk patients,37 early gastric cancer(EGC),and30 advanced gastric cancer(AGC)through ANOVA test.Correlations between serum s HB-EGF and clinicopathological features of GC were analyzed through Spearman’s correlation.The diagnostic performance of serum s HB-EGF for GC was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and logistic regression analysis.RESULTS:Serum s HB-EGF levels were significantly higher in AGC group(314.4±127.5 pg/m L)than EGC(165.3±123.2 pg/m L),high-risk(98.7±67.3 pg/m L),and control(94.7±83.6 pg/m L)groups(post-hoc Bonferroni,all P0.001),respectively.Serum s HB-EGF levels were also significantly higher in EGC group than high-risk(P=0.049)and control(P=0.006)groups.Clinicopathologically,serum s HB-EGF levels closely correlated with depth of invasion(T-stage,γs=0.669,P0.001),lymph node metastasis(N-stage,γs=0.407,P=0.001),and distant metastasis(M-stage,γs=0.261,P=0.030).ROC curve and logistic regression analysis demonstrated a remarkable diagnostic potential of serum s HB-EGF.CONCLUSION:Serum s HB-EGF is closely correlated with advanced stage GC and can be a promising serological biomarker for GC.     

Urotensin II levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUNDPatients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and have increased overall cardiovascular burden. On the other hand, urotensin II (UII) is one of the most potent vascular constrictors with immunomodulatory effect that is connected with a number of different cardiometabolic disorders as well. Furthermore, patients with ulcerative colitis have shown increased expression of urotensin II receptor in comparison to healthy controls. Since the features of IBD includes chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction as well, it is plausible to assume that there is connection between increased cardiac risk in IBD and UII.AIMTo determine serum UII levels in patients with IBD and to compare them to control subjects, as well as investigate possible associations with relevant clinical and biochemical parameters.METHODSThis cross sectional study consecutively enrolled 50 adult IBD patients (26 with Crohn’s disease and 24 with ulcerative colitis) and 50 age and gender matched controls. Clinical assessment was performed by the same experienced gastroenterologist according to the latest guidelines. Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity and Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease were used for endoscopic evaluation. Serum levels of UII were determined using the enzyme immunoassay kit for human UII, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.RESULTSIBD patients have significantly higher concentrations of UII when compared to control subjects (7.57 ± 1.41 vs 1.98 ± 0.69 ng/mL, P < 0.001), while there were no significant differences between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients (7.49 ± 1.42 vs 7.65 ± 1.41 ng/mL, P = 0.689). There was a significant positive correlation between serum UII levels and high sensitivity C reactive peptide levels (r = 0.491, P < 0.001) and a significant negative correlation between serum UII levels and total proteins (r = -0.306, P = 0.032). Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between serum UII levels with both systolic (r = 0.387, P = 0.005) and diastolic (r = 0.352, P = 0.012) blood pressure. Moreover, serum UII levels had a significant positive correlation with Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (r = 0.425, P = 0.048) and Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease (r = 0.466, P = 0.028) scores. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum UII levels retained significant association with high sensitivity C reactive peptide (β ± standard error, 0.262 ± 0.076, P < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (0.040 ± 0.017, P = 0.030).CONCLUSIONIt is possible that UII is involved in the complex pathophysiology of cardiovascular complications in IBD patients, and its purpose should be investigated in further studies.     

Serum procalcitonin differentiates inflammatory bowel disease and self-limited colitis

BACKGROUND: The distinction between idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and infectious, usually self-limited enterocolitis is still a diagnostic dilemma. Procalcitonin (PCT) is the prohormone of calcitonin and is considered a specific marker of bacterial infection. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the value of PCT in differentiating flares of IBD from self-limited colitis. In addition, because standard laboratory inflammatory parameters are poorly correlated with disease activity in IBD, the relation between PCT levels and disease activity was investigated. METHODS: A total of 76 patients (26 Crohn's disease, CD; 25 ulcerative colitis, UC; and 25 patients with self-limited enterocolitis) were enrolled. Serum levels of PCT were measured by a sandwich immunoluminometric assay. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, white blood cell counts, and stool cultures were obtained from all patients. Disease activity was assessed by the Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) and the Truelove index for CD and UC, respectively. RESULTS: Patients with self-limited enterocolitis showed significantly higher PCT levels when compared with IBD patients (0.36 ng/mL, range 0.18-1.7 vs 0.10 ng/mL, range 0.08 0.5, p < 0.001). For a PCT value of > or =0.4, the sensitivity for self-limited colitis was 92% and specifity 96%. The positive predictive value (PPV) for self-limited colitis was 96%, whereas the negative predictive value (NPV) was 93%. In IBD patients, PCT levels were in the normal range although significantly higher in active disease when compared with inactive disease (0.13 ng/mL, range 0.08-0.5 vs 0.09 ng/mL, range 0.08-0.15, p < 0.001). This difference was less pronounced for CD (0.11 ng/mL, range 0.08-0.2 vs 0.09 ng/mL, range 0.08-0.15, p < 0.05) than for UC (0.14 ng/mL, range 0.08-0.5 vs 0.09 ng/mL, range 0.08-0.11, p < 0.01). In CD, PCT levels correlated significantly 0.5, p < 0.01). with the CDAI (r =0.05, p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of PCT offers two diagnostic options in IBD. Supranormal levels indicate self-limited enterocolitis. Furthermore, although within the normal range in IBD, PCT levels may serve as a new serological marker of disease activity.     

Ethyl pyruvate protects against experimental acute-on-chronic liver failure in rats

AIM:To investigate the protective effects of ethyl pyruvate(EP) on acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF) in rats.METHODS:An ACLF model was established in rats,and animals were randomly divided into normal,model and EP treatment groups.The rats in EP treatment group received EP(40 mg/kg) at 3 h,6 h,12 h and 24 h after induction of ACLF.Serum endotoxin,high mobility group box-1(HMGB1),alanine transaminase(ALT),tumor necrosis factor-(TNF-),interferon-(IFN-),interleukin(IL)-10 and IL-18 levels,changes of liver histology and HMGB1 expressions in liver tissues were detected at 48 h after induction of ACLF.The effects of EP on the survival of ACLF rats were also observed.RESULTS:Serum levels of endotoxin(0.394 ± 0.066 EU/mL vs 0.086 ± 0.017 EU/mL,P 0.001),HMGB1(35.42 ± 10.86 g/L vs 2.14 ± 0.27 g/L,P 0.001),ALT(8415.87 ± 3567.54 IU/L vs 38.64 ± 8.82 IU/L,P 0.001),TNF-(190.77 ± 12.34 ng/L vs 124.40 ± 4.12 ng/L,P 0.001),IFN-(715.38 ± 86.03 ng/L vs 398.66 ± 32.91 ng/L,P 0.001),IL-10(6.85 ± 0.64 ng/L vs 3.49 ± 0.24 ng/L,P 0.001) and IL-18(85.19 ± 3.49 ng/L vs 55.38 ± 1.25 ng/L,P 0.001) were significantly increased,and liver tissues presented severe pathological injury in the model group compared with the normal group.However,EP administration significantly improved hepatic histopathology and reduced the serum levels of endotoxin(0.155 ± 0.045 EU/mL vs 0.394 ± 0.066 EU/mL,P 0.001) and inflammatory cytokines(11.13 ± 2.58 g/L vs 35.42 ± 10.86 g/L for HMGB1,3512.86 ± 972.67 IU/L vs 8415.87 ± 3567.54 IU/L for ALT,128.55 ± 5.76 ng/L vs 190.77 ± 12.34 ng/L for TNF-,438.16 ± 38.10 ng/L vs 715.38 ± 86.03 ng/L for IFN-,3.55 ± 0.36 ng/L vs 6.85 ± 0.64 ng/L for IL-10,and 60.35 ± 1.63 ng/L vs 85.19 ± 3.49 ng/L for IL-18,respectively,P 0.001),and the levels of HMGB1 in liver tissues regardless of treatment time after induction of ACLF.EP treatment at the four time points prolonged the median survival time of ACLF rats(60 h) to 162 h,120 h,102 h and 78 h,respectively(2 = 41.17,P 0.0001).CONCLUSION:EP administration can protect against ACLF in rats,and is a potential and novel therapeutic agent for severe liver injury.     

Endothelial lipase and reverse cholesterol transport in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Aims/Introduction:  Endothelial lipase (EL) plays an important role in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism and experimental data suggest that EL might be proatherogenic. We have investigated whether serum EL concentration is associated with changes in serum capacity to induce cholesterol efflux and arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes.Materials and Methods:  Serum EL was assayed by ELISA in 172 diabetic patients and 175 controls. The ability of serum to induce cholesterol efflux was measured using a cell culture system and arterial stiffness was determined by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV) between carotid and femoral arteries.Results:  Diabetic patients had significantly higher C‐reactive protein (CRP) and EL (27.7 ± 16.6 ng/mL vs 24.0 ± 11.3, P < 0.05). Cholesterol efflux to serum mediated through scavenger receptor class B type I was impaired (15.1 ± 2.5%vs 16.7 ± 3.1, respectively, P < 0.01). In controls, serum EL correlated with cholesterol efflux to serum (r = −0.16, P = 0.025), but only a trend was seen in the diabetic patients. Linear regression showed that in controls, HDL, serum EL and waist circumference were major independent determinants of cholesterol efflux; whereas in the diabetic cohort, the major independent determinants of cholesterol efflux were HDL, CRP and age. PWV was increased in the diabetic patients (P < 0.01), but no association between serum EL and PWV was seen in either groups.Conclusions:  Serum EL was increased in diabetic patients, but impaired serum capacity to induce cholesterol efflux in these patients was mainly related to low HDL and subclinical inflammation. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2010.00016.x, 2010)     

Decreased serum platelet derived growth factor BB levels in acute and increased in chronic pancreatitis

AIM: To examine circulating growth factor concentrations in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP), and walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN).METHODS: Forty patients with mild AP, 40 patients with alcoholic CP, 33 patients with WOPN and 40 healthy subjects were examined. Serum concentrations of platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ-1), chemerin and high-mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMBG1) were assayed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS: Patients with mild AP and those with WOPN had significantly lower serum levels of PDGF-BB compared to healthy subjects (4.0 ± 0.61 ng/mL vs 6.2 ± 0.76 ng/mL, P = 0.027, and 1.60 ± 0.31 ng/mL vs 6.2 ± 0.76 ng/mL, P < 0.001, respectively), while CP was associated with higher serum levels of PDGF-BB (12 ± 1.3 ng/mL vs 6.2 ± 0.76 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Circulating TGFβ-1 and chemerin levels were elevated in CP patients (57 ± 3.6 ng/mL vs 39 ± 3.6 ng/mL, P < 0.001 and 73 ± 7.2 ng/mL vs 48 ± 2.3 ng/mL, P < 0.001, respectively), but not in patients with AP and WOPN. No significant changes in serum HMBG1 levels were found either in patients with AP, WOPN or CP.CONCLUSION: The serum levels of some growth factors and cytokines differ significantly in AP, WOPN and CP. These data suggest that selected growth factors and cytokines may be considered as potential diagnostic biomarkers in patients with pancreatic diseases.     

乙型肝炎肝硬化患者血清IL-10和可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1水平及其对疾病预后的判断价值*

目的 分析比较乙型肝炎肝硬化患者血清细胞因子水平变化及其与疾病进展的关系。方法 2014年9月~2016年8月我院收治的79例乙型肝炎肝硬化患者,其中Child-Pugh A级31例,B级25例,C级23例,另选体检健康人23例作为对照,采用ELISA法检测血清IL-2、IL-6、IL-10和可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1（sICAM-1）。结果 代偿期肝硬化和失代偿期肝硬化患者血清IL-10水平水平分别为（43.5±8.4） g/L和（55.8±6.1） g/L,显著低于健康人【（247.1±43.4） g/L,P<0.01】,而血清IL-2、IL-6和sICAM-1水平分别为（148.1±21.3） g/L、（43.5±8.4） g/L和（298.5±85.7） ng/mL,和（180.6±17.1） g/L、（55.8±6.1） g/L和（685.4±164.8） ng/mL,均显著高于健康人【（22.6±6.0） g/L、（6.6±1.5） g/L和（158.7±21.5） ng/mL,P<0.05】;23例Child-Pugh C级患者血清IL-10水平为（84.3±11.4） g/L,显著低于31例Child-Pugh A级或25例Child-Pugh B级【分别为（121.3±14.6） g/L和（101.4±12.6） g/L;P<0.05】,而血清IL-2、IL-6和sICAM-1水平分别为（182.7±31.4） g/L、（57.3±7.3） g/L和（665.0±135.5） ng/mL,显著高于Child-Pugh A级或Child-Pugh B级【分别为（138.4±19.6） g/L、（42.4±6.6） g/L和（398.7±103.3） ng/mL,和（157.7±22.3） g/L、（49.9±6.2） g/L和（509.6±122.9） ng/mL,P<0.05】;肝硬化患者发生自发性细菌性腹膜炎、肝性脑病或消化道出血时,血清IL-10水平会进一步降低,而血清IL-2、IL-6和sICAM-1水平则进一步升高。结论 乙型肝炎肝硬化患者血清细胞因子水平会随着疾病的变化而改变,了解这些变化对指导诊疗可能有帮助。     

Serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 in Crohn’s disease

AIM:To investigate serum insulin-like growth factorbinding protein 5(IGFBP-5)levels and intestinal IGFBP-5expression in patients with Crohn’s disease(CD).METHODS:We analyzed the serum concentrations and intestinal expression of IGFBP-5 in 42 patients with CD,of whom 26 had endoscopically or radiologically proven stricture formation.Nine of the 42 patients had active disease,with a Crohn’s disease activity index>150.Serum IGFBP-5 levels were analyzed in 20 healthy controls matched by sex and age to the CD patients.Serum IGFBP-5 was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Intestinal tissue was obtained from patients through endoscopic biopsies.IGFBP-5expression was detected using immunohistochemistry and was scored semiquantitatively.RESULTS:The median serum IGFBP-5 concentrations of CD patients were significantly lower compared with healthy controls[median 7.2(IQR:5.5-11.3)ng/mL vs 11.3(8.0-44.6)ng/mL,P<0.001].There was no significant difference between median serum IGFBP-5levels in CD patients with or without stricture formation[6.9(5.5-11.3)ng/mL vs 7.8(5.3-10.1)ng/mL,P=0.815].The serum IGFBP-5 levels were not significantly different between patients with active disease and inactive disease[7.2(6.5-7.6)ng/mL vs 7.2(5.5-11.3)ng/mL,P=0.890].However,a significant correlation was observed between serum IGFBP-5 levels and platelet count(PLT)(r=0.319,P=0.0395).No significant correlation was found between tissue IGFBP-5 immunohistochemical staining intensity scores and serum IGFBP-5 levels.No significant difference was found when comparing the serum IGFBP-5 levels among the patients with different tissue IGFBP-5 staining scores(absent/very weak,weak,moderate or strong).There was a significant correlation between tissue IGFBP-5staining scores and white blood cell count(r=0.391,P=0.01)and PLT(r=0.356,P=0.021).CONCLUSION:Our results indicate that serum IGFBP-5 concentrations were lower in CD patients compared to healthy controls regardless of disease activity or the presence of stricture formation.     

B1a lymphocytes in the rectal mucosa of ulcerative colitis patients

AIM:To assess B1a cell expression in the rectal mucosa of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in comparison with healthy controls.METHODS:Rectal mucosa biopsies were collected from 15 UC patients and 17 healthy controls.CD5 + B cells were analysed by three colour flow cytometry from rectal mucosal samples after mechanical disaggregation by Medimachine.Immunohistochemical analysis of B and T lymphocytes was also performed.Correlations between,on the one hand,rectal B1a cell concentrations and,on the other,erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels and clinical,endoscopic and histological disease activity indices were evaluated.RESULTS:Rectal B-lymphocyte (CD19 + /CD45 +) rate and concentration were higher in UC patients compared with those in healthy controls (47.85% ± 3.12% vs 26.10% ± 3.40%,P=0.001 and 501 ± 91 cells/mm 2 vs 117 ± 18 cells/mm 2,P 0.001);Rectal B1a cell density (CD5 + CD19 +) was higher in UC patients than in healthy controls (85 ± 15 cells/mm 2 vs 31 ± 6.7 cells/mm 2,P=0.009).Rectal B1a cell (CD5/CD19 +) rate correlated inversely with endoscopic classification (Rs=-0.637,P 0.05).CONCLUSION:B1a lymphocytes seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of UC,however,the role they play in its early phases and in disease activity,have yet to be defined.     

Detection of fucosylated haptoglobin using the 10-7G antibody as a biomarker for evaluating endoscopic remission in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a chronic,relapsing inflammation of the digestive tract.Although fecal and serum biomarkers have been extremely important and supportive for monitoring of IBD,their low sensitivity and high variability characteristics limit clinical efficacy.Thus,the establishment of better biomarkers is expected.Fucosylation is one of the most important glycosylation modifications of proteins.Fucosylated haptoglobin(Fuc-Hpt)is used as a biomarker for several cancers and inflammation-related diseases.We recently established a novel glycan monoclonal antibody(mAb),designated 10-7G,which recognizes Fuc-Hpt.We developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)to measure serum levels of Fuc-Hpt(10-7G values).AIM To investigate the usefulness of the serum 10-7G values as a potential biomarker for monitoring disease activity in IBD.METHODS This was a case control study.Intestinal tissues of IBD patients(n=10)were examined immunohistochemically using the 10-7G mAb.We determined 10-7G values using serum from patients with ulcerative colitis(UC,n=110),Crohn’s disease(n=45),acute enteritis(AE,n=11),and healthy volunteers(HVs)who exhibited normal(n=20)or high(n=79)C-reactive protein(CRP)levels at medical check-up.We investigated the correlation between the 10-7G value and various clinical parameters of IBD patients by correlation analysis.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was performed to evaluate the usefulness of the 10-7G values as a biomarker for clinical and endoscopic remission of UC compared to conventional serum biomarkers.RESULTS In the immunohistochemical analysis,positive 10-7G mAb staining was observed in lymphocytes infiltrating into inflammatory sites of the mucosal layer and lymphoid follicles.The 10-7G values were significantly higher in patients with IBD(P<0.001)and AE(P<0.05)compared with HVs.In addition,10-7G values were correlated with clinical examination parameters related to inflammation in patients with UC,particularly the CRP level(rs=0.525,P=0.003)and clinical activity index score(rs=0.435,P=0.038).However,there was no correlation between 10-7G values and CRP in HVs with high CRP levels,suggesting that the 10-7G values is not the same as a general inflammation biomarker.ROC curve analysis showed that area under the curve(AUC)value of 10-7G values for the diagnosis of endoscopic remission was higher than other biomarkers(AUC value=0.699).CONCLUSION The serum 10-7G value is a novel biomarker for evaluating intestinal inflammation and endoscopic mucosal healing in UC.     

慢性乙型肝炎患者血清血管生成素样蛋白2和高尔基体蛋白73水平变化及其诊断显著肝纤维化的效能分析*

目的 评价血清血管生成素样蛋白2(ANGPTL2)和高尔基体蛋白73（GP73）诊断慢性乙型肝炎（CHB）患者肝纤维化程度的价值。方法 2015年3月~2017年10月我院收治的117例CHB患者,采用ELISA法检测血清ANGPTL2和GP73水平,采用受试者工作特征曲线（ROC）下面积（AUC）评价血清ANGPTL2和GP73诊断CHB患者肝纤维化和肝硬化的效能。结果 15例CHBS3~S4期患者血清ANGPTL2和GP73水平分别为（9.1±2.4）ng/ml和（84.9±15.2） ng/ml,显著高于78例S1~S2期[分别为（6.7±2.3） ng/ml和（65.1±14.8） ng/ml,P<0.05]或24例S0期患者[分别为（4.4±1.4） ng/ml和（53.7±14.3） ng/ml,P<0.05];以肝组织纤维化大于等于S3为严重肝纤维化,分别以血清ANGPTL2水平等于8.6 ng/mL和9.6 ng/ml或血清GP73水平等于75.6 ng/ml和103.5 ng/ml为诊断严重肝纤维化和肝硬化的截断点, 结果ANGPTL2诊断慢性乙型肝炎患者严重肝纤维化和肝硬化的AUC与GP73比,差异无统计学意义（Z=1.872,P=0.061;Z=0.328,P=0.743）;ANGPTL2与GP73联合诊断慢性乙型肝炎患者严重肝纤维化的效能显著高于单指标诊断,即AUC联合检测>AUCANGPTL2（Z=3.310,P=0.001）或AUC联合检测>AUCGP73（Z=2.004,P=0.045）,血清ANGPTL2与GP73联合诊断乙型肝炎肝硬化的效能与单指标诊断的效能比,差异无统计学意义（Z=1.471,P=0.141;Z=1.575,P=0.115）;采用血清ANGPTL2与GP73联合诊断肝纤维化的效能与基于4因子模型（FIB-4）或天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶/血小板指数（APRI）比,差异无统计学意义（Z=0.869,P=0.386;Z=0.492,P=0.623）;血清ANGPTL2与GP73联合诊断肝硬化的效能与FIB-4或APRI比,差异也无统计学意义（Z=1.834,P=0.067;Z=0.610,P=0.512）。结论 慢性乙型肝炎患者血清ANGPTL2和GP73水平有一些变化规律,应用两者诊断肝纤维化分期有一些有意义的苗头,值得进一步探讨。     

Higher vitamin D serum concentration increases health related quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

AIM: To investigate the effect of vitamin D (VD) concentrations and VD supplementation on health related quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.METHODS: A cohort of 220 IBD patients including 141 Crohn’s disease (CD) and 79 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients was followed-up at a tertiary IBD center. A subgroup of the cohort (n = 26) took VD supplements for > 3 mo. Health related quality of life was assessed using the short IBD questionnaire (sIBDQ). VD serum concentration and sIBDQ score were assessed between August and October 2012 (summer/autumn period) and between February and April 2013 (winter/spring period). The mean VD serum concentration and its correlation with disease activity of CD were determined for each season separately. In a subgroup of patients, the effects of VD supplementation on winter VD serum concentration, change in VD serum concentration from summer to winter, and winter sIBDQ score were analyzed.RESULTS: During the summer/autumn and the winter/spring period, 28% and 42% of IBD patients were VD-deficient (< 20 ng/mL), respectively. In the winter/spring period, there was a significant correlation between sIBDQ score and VD serum concentration in UC patients (r = 0.35, P = 0.02), with a trend towards significance in CD patients (r = 0.17, P = 0.06). In the winter/spring period, VD-insufficient patients (< 30 ng/mL) had a significantly lower mean sIBDQ score than VD-sufficient patients; this was true of both UC (48.3 ± 2.3 vs 56.7 ± 3.4, P = 0.04) and CD (55.7 ± 1.25 vs 60.8 ± 2.14, P = 0.04) patients. In all analyzed scenarios (UC/CD, the summer/autumn period and the winter/spring period), health related quality of life was the highest in patients with VD serum concentrations of 50-59 ng/mL. Supplementation with a median of 800 IU/d VD day did not influence VD serum concentration or the sIBDQ score.CONCLUSION: VD serum concentration correlated with health related quality of life in UC and CD patients during the winter/spring period.     

血清降钙素原和C-反应蛋白在评价溃疡性结肠炎病情中的临床价值

[目的]探讨血清降钙素原(PCT)和C-反应蛋白(CRP)在评价溃疡性结肠炎病情中的临床价值。[方法]检测120例溃疡性结肠炎患者(病例组)和30例健康体检者(正常对照组)外周血PCT和CRP水平。[结果]病例组缓解期、活动期患者PCT水平分别为(1.56±0.36)μg/L、(6.57±2.96)μg/L,均明显高于正常对照组[(0.33±0.16)μg/L],P0.01;病例组缓解期、活动期CRP水平分别为(6.78±3.85)mg/L、(23.46±12.53)mg/L,均明显高于正常对照组[(0.68±0.23)mg/L],P0.01;活动期患者PCT、CRP水平缓解期患者(P0.01)。病例组轻度、中度、重度病情患者PCT水平分别为(3.64±1.78)、(5.67±2.75)、(8.96±1.86)μg/L,CRP水平分别为(8.75±3.64)、(22.78±6.57)、(31.45±11.34)mg/L;中度、重度病情患者的PCT、CRP水平均明显高于轻度者(P0.01),重度病情患者PCT、CRP水平均明显高于中度者(P0.01)。[结论]血清PCT和CRP水平可能成为评价溃疡性结肠炎病情活动及严重程度的辅助指标。